- New 14-hectare Project Cargo Laydown Area at the Port of Townsville completed.
- Development expands the Port's ability to handle large-scale cargo, supporting major investment and jobs across North Queensland.
- Project delivered with a workforce that was 90 per cent local.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the infrastructure North Queensland needs to support the next wave of major investment, with the completion of a new 14-hectare Project Cargo Laydown Area at the Port of Townsville.
North Queensland is seeing growing demand from industries including critical minerals and advanced manufacturing, all of which rely on the ability to move large and complex equipment through regional ports.
The new laydown area gives the Port of Townsville the capacity to handle large project cargo and provide temporary storage for equipment and components.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor, with the project delivered with a workforce that was 90 per cent local.
During Labor's years of neglect, key trade infrastructure was not keeping pace with the scale of projects being planned, putting investment and jobs at risk right across the State.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the project was about making sure North Queensland is open for business and ready to capitalise on the investment opportunities ahead.
"North Queensland has enormous economic potential, but major projects rely on the right infrastructure being in place," Minister Bates said.
"This is about making sure the region is ready to capture investment and support more jobs for North Queenslanders.
"This new cargo laydown area means the Port of Townsville can handle the large-scale equipment needed for projects in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said after a decade of decline under Labor, the completion of the project would offer a significant boost to the Port of Townsville's transport, freight and logistics capability.
"After Labor failed to forward plan for how we do trade here in Queensland, this new cargo facility strengthens Queensland's transport network by ensuring our ports can move the freight a growing economy depends on," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Investments like this prove the Crisafulli Government is committed to building stronger supply chains, giving a fresh start to industry across North Queensland by making sure can move goods efficiently and reliably.
"By eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports we are unlocking savings in freight costs and time, while also reducing heavy vehicle traffic and congestion on the Bruce Highway, delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the project was about backing Townsville as a working port and a jobs hub for the north.
"The Port of Townsville serves as a gateway for North Queensland to the rest of the world," Mr Baillie said.
"This expansion supports the industry, the projects, and the investment in North Queensland, further advancing our region and securing our economic future."
Port of Townsville General Manager of Operations, Projects and Safety David McLoughlin said the completion of the multi-million-dollar project, delivered by principal contractor Mendi Constructions, marked a significant milestone for the Port and the North and North West Queensland regions.
"This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Port of Townsville and the region as it will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficient and resilient supply chains," Mr McLoughlin said.
"The extensive civil works, pavement construction and drainage upgrades will ensure the Port's facilities can safely manage high volumes of heavy project cargo.
"This capability will enable the efficient import, storage and transportation of project cargo from ship to site."
